Showy orchis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Showy orchis |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Galearis
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| Species: |
spectabilis
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The Galearis spectabilis, also known as the showy orchis or showy orchid, is a beautiful type of orchid. It grows naturally in eastern Canada, including Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick. You can also find it in many parts of the eastern United States. Its range stretches from southeastern Oklahoma all the way east to Maine and north to Minnesota.
Contents
About the Showy Orchis
The showy orchis usually grows in damp, deciduous forests in the eastern United States. Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the fall.
This plant starts to grow in spring. It produces one or two oval-shaped, thick leaves from a special underground stem called a rhizome. These leaves stay on the plant all summer long.
Flowers and How They Grow
Flower stalks grow on stems that are about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) tall. These stalks can have three to twelve flowers. The flowers bloom from April to May.
The flowers are very pretty and give the plant its "showy" name. They are usually two colors: lavender and white. The top part of the flower forms a hood, which is made from three petals that have grown together. Two more petals are hidden inside this hood. The third petal, called the labellum, is longer and white.
Showy orchis plants grow slowly. Over time, they form groups by sending out new shoots from their rhizome.
How the Showy Orchis Gets Pollinated
Long-tongued bumblebees are very important for pollinating the showy orchis. Other bees, butterflies, and moths also help. The flowers have bright colors that attract these insects. They also offer a sweet liquid called nectar, which collects at the base of a part of the flower called the spur. This nectar is a tasty reward for the pollinators.
Where the Showy Orchis Lives
You can often find Galearis spectabilis on hillsides. These areas might be rocky or damp, sometimes near small springs. They usually grow under a cover of deciduous trees, where they get half shade to deep shade. Sometimes, they are found near floodplains, also under a tree canopy. These plants rarely grow in full sunlight.
Different Colors of Showy Orchis
There are two special color types of the showy orchis:
- G. spectabilis f. gordinierii has flowers that are completely white.
- G. spectabilis f. willeyi has flowers that are entirely pink.
Images for kids
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A close-up picture of a showy orchis flower.
See also
In Spanish: Galearis spectabilis para niños
